The Armed Forces Exhibition to Support Local Manufacturing (AFED 2018) successfully concluded, achieving its goals of promoting and developing local manufacturing and recording approximately 57,600 manufacturing orders, while the total value of contracts exceeded $15 billion. Organized by the Saudi Ministry of Defense for its fourth edition in Riyadh, the exhibition served as a platform for the exchange of global ideas and expertise, and was attended by 120,000 visitors from within Saudi Arabia and abroad. The event took place at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from February 25 through March 3, 2018.
80,000 manufacturing opportunities
A total of 68 international companies and approximately 130 local companies participated in the exhibition, in addition to research institutions at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and the Prince Sultan Institute, various ministries and government agencies. A total of 80,000 manufacturing opportunities were presented to investors, with the participation of civilian and military officials from Saudi Arabia and abroad. Discussions focused on «Saudi Vision 2030,» the challenges of transitioning to an industrial economy, the role of local content in industrial localization and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, and the role of strategic sectors in industrial localization. At the fourth edition of the “AFD 2018” exhibition, the needs of 1,040 factories were highlighted.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of the National Guard showcased 9,370 items at the Armed Forces Exhibition in support of local manufacturing; manufacturing opportunities for local factories. Additionally, the National Guard’s Health Affairs Department shared four success stories in the field of local manufacturing, which contributed to a 50 percent reduction in costs compared to previous levels.
Agreements for the Localization and Transfer of Military Technology
The Armed Forces Exhibition in Support of Local Manufacturing witnessed the signing of an agreement for the transfer and localization of military technology; Abdullah Al-Omari, CEO of Middle East Aircraft Engines Limited, one of the Economic Balance companies, explained that the agreement covers technology transfer and localization with General Electric and the Royal Saudi Air Force for the maintenance and overhaul of F-15S and F-15 –SA, as well as Apache and Black Hawk helicopters equipped with T700 engines, valued at over $330 million, noting that this will generate an estimated return of 2.6 billion riyals ($693 million) over the next five years.
Military and industrial products from «Tech City»
In contrast, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology presented a package of military and security projects that have been transferred and localized in Saudi Arabia, such as a short-range, laser-guided missile capable of supersonic speeds of “1.2 Mach.” It is two meters long, has a diameter of 178 millimeters, weighs 50 kilograms, carries a 10-kilogram explosive payload, and has a range of 10 kilometers. It can be launched from a ground-based «surface-to-surface» or “air-to-surface” from helicopters, as well as a short-range ballistic missile powered by a solid-fuel engine, capable of speeds exceeding the speed of sound at “2 Mach,” measuring 1. 75 meters, a diameter of 100 millimeters, a weight of 26 kilograms, an explosive payload of 4 kilograms, and a range of 12 kilometers. It is a «surface-to-surface» missile that can be launched from a multiple-launch rocket system and can also be used for «air-to-surface» strikes from unmanned aerial vehicles.
It also showcased the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques« initiative for solar-powered water desalination in Al-Khafji Governorate, which has a production capacity of 60,000 cubic meters of desalinated water per day, an absorption desalination plant, the Saudi Solar Cell Factory, energy-efficient lighting, and solar cells made from gallium arsenide.
Integrated platforms for trade and investment
The Ministry of Commerce and Investment participated in the exhibition with a pavilion showcasing its full ecosystem. The pavilion featured platforms for the Ministry of Commerce and Investment, the General Authority for Investment, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, and the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises. During its participation, the Ministry highlighted the efforts made to support and strengthen the business sector in the Kingdom and achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, It provided a range of services to visitors and answered inquiries regarding the system’s operations and its role in strengthening the capabilities of the trade and investment sectors, developing projects, and protecting the interests of beneficiaries in a way that benefits the national economy, The participation also included a display of all publications highlighting commercial activities and investment opportunities in the Kingdom.
